South India Tour

Breakfast at hotel

Morning depart by surface for Mysore. Enroute visit to Srirangapatna,

The city was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore for over six centuries and is still famous for its valuable sandalwood and frankincense. On the way to the royal capital, we visit Srirangapatna, a 15th-century fort. It was built as a mud fort in 1454 during the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire and impresses with its Indian-Islamic architecture.

On arrival check in at hotel

Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel

Breakfast at hotel 

Morning visit Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and have a panoramic view of Mysore from the top of the hill. On way back, see the Nandi Bull. The art gallery in Jagmohan Palace also look at paintings and sculptures as well as know the 150 year history of the palace.

Late afternoon visit Mysore Palace, the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is a harmonious synthesis of the Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. In evening visit to, Devraja Vegetable market.

Dinner & overnight at hotel

Breakfast at hotel Morning departs by surface for Ooty.

On the way to the "Queen of Hill Stations" we pass through Bandipur National Park. With a bit of luck you can see elephants, deer and other wild animals on the side of the road as we drive through Bandipur National Park. In the afternoon you reach the most popular hill station in South India. Udhagamandalam, better known as Ooty, is located in the Nilgiri Mountains in the tri-state corner of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Nature was extremely generous in this region. Interestingly, this paradise remained unknown to the great southern dynasties and it was the British who discovered it in the early 1800s. You visit the Botanical Garden and marvel at the many rare tree species. The highlight is a 20 million year old fossil tree that is nicknamed the "monkey puzzle tree" because monkeys cannot climb this tree. When you visit a tea factory, you will learn about the process that freshly picked tea leaves go through to become a delicious drink. If time permits, you will visit the local market in Ooty with your tour guide

On arrival check into hotel

Dinner & Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at hotel

In the morning you will be taken to the train station in Ooty to take the narrow-gauge train to Coonoor. After the one-hour panoramic journey you will visit a tea plantation and be served food by the family of the tea garden owner in a bungalow surrounded by tea bushes. Of course, a tea tasting is a must.

Dinner & Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at hotel

Morning proceed for city sightseeing On arrival cochin proceed for city sightseeing visit to fort Cochin with the first stop being the St.Francis church, india`s oldest European built church. Proceed on to the large pastel coloured Santa Cruz Basilica.. Strung out along the tip of Fort Cochin the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets provide an interesting sight. The next stop on your tour of Cochin is the Mattanchery palace, the home of the former Raja of Cochin. The palace houses an interesting collection of murals from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata etc. The last stop on your tour of Cochin is the Jewish Synagogue or the Magen David Synagogue (closed on Monday) Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. The Jews arrived on India's west coast as traders, supplying Rome, Constantinople and the rest of Europe with valuable spices. They first came to Kerala as refugees from Jerusalem when it first fell to Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BC. Jews have been a strong community in Kerala for at least a thousand years, first at Kodungallur until their expulsion in 1568 and then at Cochin where there used to be 8 synagogues. The white Jews retained their purity and distinctive community, while other Jews inter married with the locals and came to be called Black Jews.

In the evening, witness Kathakali Dance performance. Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala, dates from the 17th century and is rooted in Hindu mythology. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. Kathakali draws heavily from drama and is danced with elaborate masks and costumes

Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel

Morning departs by surface for Coimbatore & board train for Cochin, enjoy the passing landscape. After your arrival in the port city of Kochi on the tropical Malabar Coast, you will be taken to your hotel and spend the evening there.

On arrival at Cochin or Ernakulam railway station and transfer to hotel.

Dinner & Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at hotel

Approx 1000 hrs depart Cochin for Alleppey and on arrival board the houseboat (also known as Kettuvalam) from hotel Jetty

Kettuvallams are huge, tapering barges which were traditionally used to cargo rice and other goods across Kerala. It has a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as kitchen and rest rooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels

Modern-day Kettuvallams called houseboats, carry finished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony where tourists can laze on cushions. Sections of the carved roof of wood and plaited palms open out to provide shade and allow an uninterrupted view. Most of the boats are poled by local oarsmen. Some are powered by engines. Gliding on serene backwaters, visitors can witness an un spoilt Kerala.

Lunch, dinner and overnight on board.

Breakfast on houseboat.

Later disembark houseboat in Alleppey and depart for Periyar. on arrival check in at hotel.

Afternoon enjoy the boat ride at Lake Periyar.. Two hour boat trips on the lake are the usual way of touring the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated in the Thekkady district of Tamil Nadu bordering with Kerala, Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary is one of the most important and frequently visited in India. It conveniently falls between journeys from different parts of Tamil Nadu to important tourist destinations in Kerala. Trips along the large artificial lake surrounded by dense forests is by itself value for money besides offering the opportunity to view wild life specially elephants, wild boar, sambar, etc….Boat ride will be subject to water level in lake

In the evening, you will see a Kalaripayatu show, in which you will get an impression of this special martial art practiced in Kerala.

Dinner & Overnight in Hotel.

Breakfast at hotel

Morning depart by surface for Periyar . Did you know that cardamom belongs to the ginger family? Or that it is said to help with many ailments? More Ayurvedic wisdom and an enchanting olfactory experience await you in the spice garden in Kumily. The geographical and climatic features of Kumily, such as the cool climate and its altitude above sea level, make it ideal for growing spices. Watch cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and co. grow and breathe in the fresh scent of lemongrass. You then drive to Madurai and visit the village of Balagundu on the way. For lunch you will be a guest of a local family and learn interesting things about their everyday life over a typical South Indian meal. The simple lunch will taste particularly good in this special atmosphere! You will then reach Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. The city, also known as the "Athens of the East", is one of the oldest cities in all of South Asia. In the afternoon, your tour guide will take you on a rickshaw tour, during which you can not only see the sights but also observe the residents going about their daily work.

On arrival check into hotel

Evening visit the Meenakshi temple to attend the evening ceremony known as ‘Bedtime of the God’, A colourful procession, goes around the temple and has various short ceremonies at different shrines, before the final prayer at the entrance of her chamber The entire procession takes about 45 minutes

Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel

Breakfast at hotel

Later sightseeing tour of Madurai. Visit the Meenakshi Temple, the city's main attraction. This temple is nearly 2000 years old placed in the heart of the old town - a splendid example of Dravidian architecture.

Later visit Tirrumalai Nayak Palace, this Indo-Saracenic building was constructed in 1523 and was originally four times large as today.

Later proceed to Chettinad (KARAIKUDI) Chettinadu or the land of Nattukkottai Chettiars, is famous for its fortress like homes and temples that are architectural marvels and lip smacking food. It is a hidden treasure. The palaces and mansions reflect a conglomeration of architecture building styles. Burma teak motif, handmade tiles, stained glass windows, elaborate chandeliers and intricate carpentry are all unique ingredients of Chettinadu Mansion. Every home is an architectural splendor

On arrival check into hotel . Lunch at hotel

Dinner & Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at hotel

Morning depart by surface for Thanjore .

Today you follow the temple route to Thanjavur or Tanjore, as it was formerly called. On the way you will visit a silk weaving factory and have the opportunity to look over the shoulders of the weavers. Thanjavur was the capital of the Chola Empire from the 10th to the 14th century AD. It later became part of the Vijaynagar Kingdom and passed into the hands of the Marathas and the British. For centuries it has been the most important political, literary and religious centre in the south. The celebrated Brihadeshvara Temple, which the Chola king had built in the 11th century, is its main attraction. You will take a closer look at it tomorrow.

Today you will first learn how the famous Thanjavur dolls are made, which have been grinning at you from all angles since your arrival. With their wobbling heads, these terracotta dolls enjoy absolute cult status here. As a special highlight, you will take part in an evening ceremony in the Big Temple today. Every evening, during this "good night ceremony", the image of Shiva is brought to Parvati's bedroom to the loud accompaniment of drummers and the chants of the priests. This will give you a unique insight into the living religion of India.

Dinner & Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at hotel

As announced, this morning you will visit the city's landmark, the impressive Sri Brihadeshvara Temple, also known as the Great Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an outstanding example of Chola architecture. Its unique architectural excellence has prompted UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site. The imposing tower is a testament to the sophisticated engineering skills of the Cholas. The beautiful fresco paintings on the temple's interior walls are unique. Your tour guide will show you more art from the region in the local art museum.

Later proceed to Pondicherry.

In the afternoon you will look over the shoulders of artists who pass on the traditional art of creating first-class sculptures from bronze to the next generation. The journey continues to Pondicherry. The former French colony enchants with Mediterranean charm and was the last French settlement in India until 1954.

On arrival check into hotel

Dinner & Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at hotel

Morning visit Auroville Situated just across the border in the state of Tamil Nadu, Auroville, about 10 km away from Pondicherry, is a unique experience in itself. The place, also known as ’City of Dawn,’ was founded in 1968 as a tribute to Sri Aurobindo. It is a lush green cover created over 25 years by sheer hard work and dedication. The place is spread over 50 sq. km and has a population of over 900. The Mata Mandir situated in the center of the town is the spiritual centre with a 30-metrehigh globe with lotus-shaped foundation urn. Also visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram - the final resting place of Sri Aurobindo, a Saint-cum-Yogi who synthesized yoga and modern science. It is also the final resting place of the 'Moter'. Also visit the museum (which has rooms furnished with period furniture of French India) Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Later depart by surface for Mahabalipuram.

On arrival check in to hotel

Dinner & Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at hotel

Morning visit Mahabalipuram- It occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the Pallava rulers in the seventh century, the complex comprises of 14 cave temples, nine monolithic "Rathas", three stone temples and two relief-sculptured rock panels. These two rock panels give a graphic description of Arjuna's penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva and forms the largest Bass Relief in the world. Particularly of interest is the shore temple built on the water's edge with an east facing altar designed to catch the rising Sun. This has now been declared a World Heritage Site.

Afternoon at leisure

Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel

Breakfast at hotel

Morning visit Mahabalipuram- It occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the Pallava rulers in the seventh century, the complex comprises of 14 cave temples, nine monolithic "Rathas", three stone temples and two relief-sculptured rock panels. These two rock panels give a graphic description of Arjuna's penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva and forms the largest Bass Relief in the world. Particularly of interest is the shore temple built on the water's edge with an east facing altar designed to catch the rising Sun. This has now been declared a World Heritage Site.

Afternoon at leisure

Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel

Breakfast at hotel

Morning depart by surface for Chennai enroute visit to Kanchipuram.

Kanchipuram is one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities. This "Golden City of a Thousand Temples" dates back to the early Cholas in the 7th century AD. Only around 70 temples of the original 1000 old temples are still intact and the most famous of them is the Kailasanatha Temple built with sandstone in the early seventh century A.D. Visit Silk weaving shop / centre in Kancheepuram

Later continue drive to Chennai .

Half day sight seeing of Chennai . the capital of Tamil Nadu. We follow the sound of the sea to one of the longest beaches in the country, Marina Beach. Let your eyes wander and watch the hustle and bustle. The ladies from a local initiative that works to strengthen women's rights will be waiting for you in their tuk tuks. Sit back and enjoy the wind while your personal driver maneuvers you expertly through the traffic. So much adventure will make you hungry. A delicious buffet awaits you in the hotel. At the farewell dinner,

[NO ACCOMDAOTION ENVISAGED ON THIS DAY]

Breakfast at hotel

Morning depart by surface for Chennai enroute visit to Kanchipuram.

Kanchipuram is one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities. This "Golden City of a Thousand Temples" dates back to the early Cholas in the 7th century AD. Only around 70 temples of the original 1000 old temples are still intact and the most famous of them is the Kailasanatha Temple built with sandstone in the early seventh century A.D. Visit Silk weaving shop / centre in Kancheepuram

Later continue drive to Chennai .

Half day sight seeing of Chennai . the capital of Tamil Nadu. We follow the sound of the sea to one of the longest beaches in the country, Marina Beach. Let your eyes wander and watch the hustle and bustle. The ladies from a local initiative that works to strengthen women's rights will be waiting for you in their tuk tuks. Sit back and enjoy the wind while your personal driver maneuvers you expertly through the traffic. So much adventure will make you hungry. A delicious buffet awaits you in the hotel. At the farewell dinner,

[NO ACCOMDAOTION ENVISAGED ON THIS DAY]

End of itinerary

All hotels check-out / check-in time 12 noon

Note: Distance / approximate drive time based on Nepal Road conditions. Drive time may reduce / exceeds depends on the traffic conditions city to city on that particular day.